Waukeshahealthinsurance.com-
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A 62-year-old man has died months after becoming the world's first living recipient of a genetically engineered pig kidney transplant.
Rick Slyman received the kidney at Massachusetts General in March after being diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year. The hospital emphasized that there was no indication that his death was due to the transplant.
Slyman, manager of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, performed the four-hour surgery on the recommendation of his doctors. He was released from the hospital In April. After the operation, doctors said they believed the new kidney could last for years, but admitted there were many unknowns in animal-to-human transmission.
“Mr. Sleiman is seen as a beacon of hope for countless patients worldwide and we are very grateful for his faith and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” Massachusetts General said in a statement.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Slaman's family and friends as they remember an extraordinary man whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him.”
Slaiman's family described him as a kind man who gave his life to people.
“Our family is saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved Rick, but comforted to know that he inspired so many,” a family statement said. “Millions of people around the world know Rick's story. We felt – and still do – comforted by his optimism for patients awaiting transplants.
Sleiman said in an earlier statement that he had been a patient in the hospital's transplant program for 11 years. In 2018, after living with diabetes and high blood pressure for many years, he received a kidney from a human donor. Five years later, the kidney began to show signs of failure. He resumed dialysis in 2023.
“Not only did I help myself, but I made a way to give hope to thousands of people who need a transplant to survive,” Sleiman wrote in the statement.
Dr. Tatsuo, director of the Lagoreta Clinical Transplant Tolerance Center, performed the first step to applause in the operating room in March.
The demand for organs exceeds the number in the US. As of 2011 Organ Procurement and Transplant NetworkThere are currently over 100,000 people waiting to donate organs.
Experts have long researched how to safely and successfully transplant animal organs into humans, which could help solve organ shortages, he said.
Prior to Slyman's transplant, only two transplants had been completed using pig organs—both heart transplants were done using sympathetic organs. Both patients died weeks after receiving their hearts.
Egenes, the biotech company that makes the genetically engineered pig kidney, called Slayman a “true pioneer” in a statement late Saturday.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Slaman and his family and honor his legacy and invaluable contributions to science and medicine,” the company added.
Slyman's family thanked the care team at Massachusetts General in the statement.
“After his recovery, Rick said one of the reasons he had the procedure was to give hope to the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive. Rick achieved his goal and his hope and optimism will live on forever. His legacy will inspire patients, researchers and healthcare professionals everywhere.” The family said.